| answer text |
<p>When the decision not to proceed with electrification from Kettering to Sheffield
and Nottingham was taken in 2017, approximately £30m had been spent on preliminary
works north of Kettering. The majority of this was on bridge improvement works, which
will deliver benefits such as improved asset condition irrespective of any electrification.
The indicative c.£1.0bn (in 2012/13 prices) cost estimate for electrifying the route
from Kettering to Sheffield / Nottingham was developed by Network Rail in 2016, as
part of the Midland Main Line enhancements programme.</p><p> </p><p>Thanks to modern
technology, we no longer need to electrify every part of every line in order to deliver
better journeys. The decision not to continue with electrification from Kettering
to Sheffield and Nottingham means that passengers will benefit from new trains sooner
and with less disruption, when compared with electrifying the entire line. The upgrade
of the Midland Main Line will support better journeys from 2020, including faster
journeys in the peak and more seats, with further improvements from 2022 with a fleet
of brand new bi-mode trains. Rapid delivery of passenger benefits, whilst minimising
impacts on passengers, should always be our priority.</p><p> </p>
|
|
